Course Descriptions

The Stroudsburg Senior High School social studies department has as its goal the preparation of our students for post-high school experiences. It is recognized that these experiences will be varied and that a sound background in social studies will provide the tools for young people to succeed regardless of their future course. To that end, the curriculum provides an opportunity to investigate a variety of disciplines and to develop essential skills.

To enable students to succeed in our democratic society, the department provides instruction in the following interdependent areas: History, Government, Geography, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, and Cultural Life. In addition, the department provides development of the following skills: research and writing, listening and speaking, and critical thinking. In today’s world, it is necessary that all students understand themselves and the world in which they live in order to be productive citizens of their local, state, national, and global communities. The department has that as its goal.

H130 NINETEENTH CENTURY AMERICAN HISTORY 9 6/6 1.00

This course provides a study of American history from the Federalist Era (1789) to the turn of the century (1900). Topics include: the creation of our American nation; the nationalist spirit of the 1820’s; the democratic reform movements of the 1830’s; westward expansion during the 1840’s; slavery, civil war and reconstruction; and the growth of big business, immigration and urbanization. Students must complete this course before enrolling in 20 th Century American History.

H210 TWENTIETH CENTURY AMERICAN HISTORY (H) 10 6/6 1.00

(Prerequisite: Nineteenth Century American History – grade of 83% or higher in H; grade of 95% or better in CP)This course provides a study of American history from 1900 to the present. Topics include: the Progressive Era; World War One; the Great Depression; World War Two; the Cold War; and America since the sixties. A formal research paper is required. The tenth grade honors curriculum requires intensive study and high expectations. Students are expected to demonstrate exceptional critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as strong public speaking abilities. A strong emphasis is placed on the research and writing process. This course is intended for independent, highly motivated students.

H220 TWENTIETH CENTURY AMERICAN HISTORY (CP) 10 6/6 1.00

(Prerequisite: Nineteenth Century American History)This course provides a study of American history from 1900 to the present. Topics include: the Progressive Era; World War One; the Great Depression; World War Two; the Cold War; and America since the sixties. A major research paper is required. This is the foundation course for most college-bound students.

H230 TWENTIETH CENTURY AMERICAN HISTORY 10 6/6 1.00

(Prerequisite: Nineteenth Century American History)This course provides a study of American history from 1900 to the present. Topics include: the Progressive Era; World War One; the Great Depression; World War Two; the Cold War; and America since the sixties. Quarterly research projects are required. The tenth grade tech prep curriculum is intended for those students who require a basic foundation in American history in a structured, moderately paced environment. Support in reading and writing skills are offered, as needed.

H240 TWENTIETH CENTURY AMERICAN HISTORY (REM) 10 6/6 1.00

(Prerequisite: Nineteenth Century American History)This course provides a study of American history from 1900 to the present. Topics include: the Progressive Era; World War One; the Great Depression; World War Two; the Cold War; and America since the sixties. Periodic research projects are required. The tenth grade remedial curriculum is intended for those students who require a basic foundation in American history in a highly structured, moderately paced environment. Support in reading and writing skills are offered, as needed.

H310 MODERN WORLD HISTORY (H) (s) 11 6/6 1.00

(Prerequisite: grade of 83% or higher in H; grade of 95% or higher in CP)Modern World History covers the period from 1600 to the present. Beginning with studies of the Renaissance and Reformation, the Enlightenment, the Scientific Revolution, and the Age of Exploration, the course moves into units on nationalism and imperialism, including studies of Africa, the Muslim world, India, China and Latin America. The two World Wars from a global perspective are covered next. The course finishes with a comprehensive study of world events since 1945, including material about Europe , North America , Asia , the Middle East , Africa and Latin America . A formal research paper is required.

The eleventh grade honors curriculum requires intensive study and high expectations. Students are expected to demonstrate exceptional critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as strong public speaking abilities. A strong emphasis is placed on the research and writing process. This course is intended for independent, highly motivated students.

H320 MODERN WORLD HISTORY (CP) 11 6/6 1.00

Modern World History covers the period from 1600 to the present. Beginning with studies of the Renaissance and Reformation, the Enlightenment, the Scientific Revolution, and the Age of Exploration, the course moves into units on nationalism and imperialism, including studies of Africa, the Muslim world, India, China and Latin America. The two World Wars from a global perspective are covered next. The course finishes with a comprehensive study of world events since 1945, including material about Europe , North America , Asia , the Middle East , Africa and Latin America . A formal research paper is required. This is the foundation class for most college-bound students.

H330 MODERN WORLD HISTORY 11 6/6 1.00

Modern World History covers the period from 1600 to the present. Beginning with studies of the Renaissance and Reformation, the Enlightenment, the Scientific Revolution, and the Age of Exploration, the course moves into units on nationalism and imperialism, including studies of Africa, the Muslim world, India, China and Latin America. The two World Wars from a global perspective are covered next. The course finishes with a comprehensive study of world events since 1945, including material about Europe , North America , Asia , the Middle East , Africa and Latin America . A formal research paper is required. This is the foundation class for most college-bound students.

The eleventh grade Tech Prep curriculum is intended for those students who require a basic foundation in world history in a structured, moderately paced environment. Support in reading and writing skills is offered, as needed.

H340 MODERN WORLD HISTORY (REM) 11 6/6 1.00

Modern World History covers the period from 1600 to the present. Beginning with studies of the Renaissance and Reformation, the Enlightenment, the Scientific Revolution, and the Age of Exploration, the course moves into units on nationalism and imperialism, including studies of Africa, the Muslim world, India, China and Latin America. The two World Wars from a global perspective are covered next. The course finishes with a comprehensive study of world events since 1945, including material about Europe , North America , Asia , the Middle East , Africa and Latin America . A formal research paper is required. This is the foundation class for most college-bound students.

The eleventh grade remedial curriculum is intended for those students who require a basic foundation in world history in a structured, moderately paced environment. Support in reading and writing skills is offered, as needed.

H410 SENIOR SOCIAL SCIENCES (H) 12 6/6 1.00

(Prerequisite: grade of 83% of higher in H; grade of 95% or better in CP)This course has a focus on economics, government, and sociology. A formal research paper is required. The twelfth grade honors curriculum requires intensive study and high expectations. Students are expected to demonstrate exceptional critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as strong public speaking abilities. A strong emphasis is placed on the research and writing process. This course is intended for independent, highly motivated students.

H420 SENIOR SOCIAL SCIENCES (CP) 12 6/6 1.00

This course has a focus on economics, government, and sociology. A major research paper is required. This is the foundation course for most college-bound students.

H430 SENIOR SOCIAL SCIENCES 12 6/6 1.00

This course has a focus on economics, government, and sociology. Quarterly research projects are required. The curriculum is intended for those students who require a basic foundation in economics and sociology in a structured, moderately paced environment. Support in reading and writing skills are offered, as needed.

H440 SENIOR SOCIAL SCIENCES (R) 12 6/6 1.00

This course has a focus on economics, government, and sociology. Periodic research projects are required. The curriculum is intended for those students who require a basic foundation in economics and sociology in a highly structured, moderately paced environment. Support in reading and writing skills are offered, as needed.

H305 AP UNITED STATES HISTORY 11-12 6/6 1.00

(Prerequisite: AP process)AP United States History is a college level course that stresses critical thinking and advanced research and writing skills. Offered in a seminar style setting, the course gives students with a genuine interest in our country’s past, present and future an opportunity to share ideas with their peers. Successful completion of this class and the AP exam may lead to college credit.

H306 AP EUROPEAN HISTORY 11-12 6/6 N/O

(Prerequisite: AP process)AP European History is a college level course that stresses critical thinking and advanced research and writing skills. Offered in a seminar style setting, the course gives students with a genuine interest in European history an opportunity to share ideas with their peers. Successful completion of this class and the AP exam may lead to college credit.

H315 PSYCHOLOGY 10-12 6/6 1.00

Psychology is the science of human and animal behavior. This introductory course in psychology surveys several topics such as: scientific methods of psychology, growth and development, influences of heredity and environment, understanding personality, measuring intellectual ability, learning, remembering and forgetting, motivation and emotions, frustration, conflict and stress, psychological disturbances, therapy for psychological disturbances, social influence and interaction.

Psychology has evolved into a discipline with various approaches to psychological thought. This evolution is an on-going challenge which is reflected in current psychological literature. Course requirement: students shall be responsible for submitting a requirement such as a book report, research paper or psychological experiment which has been approved by the instructor.

H316 AP PSYCHOLOGY 11-12 6/6 N/O

(Prerequisite: AP process)AP Psychology is a college level course that stresses critical thinking and advanced research and writing skills. Offered in a seminar style setting, the course gives students with a genuine interest in psychology an opportunity to share their interests with their peers. Successful completion of this class and the AP exam may lead to college credit.

H307 AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS 11-12 6/6 1.00

(Prerequisite: AP process)AP American Government and Politics is a college level course that stresses critical thinking and advanced research and writing skills. Offered in a seminar style setting, the course gives students with a genuine interest in American government and politics an opportunity to share their ideas with their peers. Successful completion of this class and the AP exam may lead to college credit. The course is open to students in grades 11 and 12.

H256 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES AND THE LAW 10-12 6/6 1.00

This course has two main areas of focus, contemporary issues and the law. The students will be encouraged to formulate their own ideas about American Government and politics based on thoughtful reflection and knowledge. The mission will be to open minds of students and encourage students to go beyond rote memorization and to reflect upon politics, the governmental process and the law. The focus of the course is on the analysis of public issues. Students will use analytical skills to make reflective rational decisions about the problems facing society or about the individuals who deal with those problems. Through “open” class discussions on the issues a positive political attitude will be developed.

H257 GLOBAL ISSUES 10-12 6/6 1.00

Global Issues offers students the opportunity to study the contemporary world through current events. It is designed to be informative as well as to provide experience in reading, research, and writing. Students will develop a sense that, as time passes, we will become more and more a part of the “global community”, and these issues will affect us all. Some topics will include: environmental issues, global conflict, population issues, and human rights.